Social Learning Theory

Social learning theory, considered one of the core theoretical perspectives in the field, believes that behavior is learned through socialization. Consisting of four main concepts, differential association, differential reinforcement, imitation, and definitions, social learning theory is capable of explaining both delinquent behavior and conventional behavior. Social learning theory is not only about how behavior is acquired for the first time; but also speaks to a general process and set of variables in acquiring, maintaining, and changing behavior. The correlates of crime, age, race, and social class can also be explained by social learning theory.